Abstract Title:

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol for nighttime agitation in severe dementia.

Abstract Source:

Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2006 May ;185(4):524-8. Epub 2006 Mar 7. PMID: 16521031

Abstract Author(s):

Sebastian Walther, Richard Mahlberg, Uta Eichmann, Dieter Kunz

Article Affiliation:

Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte (PUK), Berlin, Germany. [email protected]

Abstract:

RATIONALE: Nighttime agitation occurs frequently in patients with dementia and represents the number one burden on caregivers today. Current treatment options are few and limited due to substantial side effects.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to measure the effect of the cannabinoid dronabinol on nocturnal motor activity.

METHODS: In an open-label pilot study, six consecutive patients in the late stages of dementia and suffering from circadian and behavioral disturbances-five patients with Alzheimer's disease and one patient with vascular dementia-were treated with 2.5 mg dronabinol daily for 2 weeks. Motor activity was measured objectively using actigraphy.

RESULTS: Compared to baseline, dronabinol led to a reduction in nocturnal motor activity (P=0.028). These findings were corroborated by improvements in Neuropsychiatric Inventory total score (P=0.027) as well as in subscores for agitation, aberrant motor, and nighttime behaviors (P<0.05). No side effects were observed.

CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that dronabinol was able to reduce nocturnal motor activity and agitation in severely demented patients. Thus, it appears that dronabinol may be a safe new treatment option for behavioral and circadian disturbances in dementia.

Study Type : Human Study

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